Encryption for novices

This program promises top-notch file encryption, but it fails to mention the encryption method it employs. Still, novices will find this a great program for learning about and using file encryption.

Once installed, SafeHouse Personal Edition appears as a completely separate drive on your computer. In that way, it looks and acts like a typical hard-disk interface. Before we could begin, we had to enter a master password to access the program. A very minor trial limitation prevents any password from being more than three characters, but it didn't affect the program's performance. Once a volume has been created and opened, you can get in and out of it without a password. But once you close the volume using the appropriate desktop shortcut, you'll have to use that same password. Important files and folders were easily dragged and dropped into the drive window for safe keeping. The original files were left on our desktop, so they'll have to be deleted manually, rather than depend on the program to do it. You can use SafeHouse with any type of external hard drive, including USBs.

Help is available through tutorials, but oddly enough, the program never mentions the encryption method it uses. Novices will appreciate this program's ease of use and 30-day trial, but more experienced users will probably want more control over the encryption process.